Stoner granted V8 licence

NEWLY retired MotoGP star Casey Stoner was granted a licence to compete in V8 Supercars - the top level of Australian motor sport - even though he has no car racing experience.

Stoner, who will make his V8 debut in Adelaide at the end of the month, was given a waiver because of his achievements on two wheels.

His experience and status as a twice world MotoGP champion meant he didn't have to fulfill the normal qualification of competing in three minor car racing events under observation by track officials.

Stoner, 27, has been preparing intensively for his switch to four-wheel racing, practising in private in modified race-style cars at a driver training track on the Gold Coast.

He also secretly took part in a track day last Tuesday at the famous Mount Panorama circuit, where the annual Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercars classic is staged, in V8 Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores with racing modifications and safety equipment.

Stoner will race in V8 Supercars' seven-event second-tier Dunlop Series in a Red Bull Racing Australia junior team run by V8 champion squad Triple Eight Holden.

He spent a full day testing his 630 horsepower Commodore V8 racer at Queensland Raceway last Monday and will trial it again this week.

Although Stoner is jumping in at the deep end by making his debut on the treacherous Adelaide street circuit, the Confederation of Australia Motor Sport, has no qualms.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/motorsport/stoner-granted-v8-licence-20130216-2ek52.html